Yippee! I got to surf twice this weekend (5/21 and 5/23). Although Friday started out rough down on the beach, by the time I got there in mid-afternoon, the waves were small but quite nice. Since my funboard was still in the shop, I got out the ol' Softop for some 9' fun. I didn't take my 9'6" Petal 'cause I still needed to strip my winter wax off and put on some good, warm water wax. It's definitely almost summer. The water is quite warm now. At any rate, before I surfed, I met with my surf guru Brian and representatives from a Houston radio station who will be broadcasting live from the 43rd Street Pier one day in June. It sounds like a wonderful opportunity for Brian and C-Sick Surfin' He wants me to help, and I definitely will. After the meeting, I went right across the street (we were meeting at the 41st street Underground Surf Depot) to the 43rd street pier. I had already heard how rough the waves had been that morning, but they were looking pretty good by that time. So I unloaded the board, walked it down to the beach and paddled out. I didn't go very far on the outside since they were breaking closer in, but was able to catch some nice little waves that allowed me to practice turning back in. I was able to walk a little on the board also by cross-stepping. All in all, it was a great afternoon.
Sunday turned out to be a more difficult day. I had to be in Santa Fe early for a family lunch, so I had to start surfing early. I was down at the beach before 7:30 a.m. and in the water by 8. It was quite rough, but I had the urge to surf! I was eventually able to catch a few waves, but they were not as easy to catch as Friday. The waves would closeout and cross, making it difficult for a beginner like me to stay up. I got some rides though and was definitely glad I made it out. My friend, Robin, joined me, and, later, our new surfing acquaintance Angie joined us. I got in a solid two hours of surfing before I had to leave to come home, but I'm sure glad I went out. Robin stayed later and got some good rides herself. She was also able to go surfing during the week since she is between semesters. Brian says she is surfing really good these days! I think we are both just having a really good time.
